Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Our rustic Knoxville wedding venue is the perfect romantic setting for a special day you will never forget. Country Jewell in Heiskell, Tennessee is surrounded with gorgeous mountain views, beautifully manicured lawns, and vibrant blossoming flowers. If you are searching for a charming setting in which to say "I do," then look no further than Country Jewell.

You can exchange vows either in our historic wedding chapel or under the outdoor gazebo, next to the bubbling waterfall, surrounded by the natural beauty of our country wedding venue. Meandering streams, lovely ponds, stone paths, and white painted fences also grace this picture-perfect setting.It's not hard to fall in love with Country Jewell once you have seen it. The next step for the bride and groom is to decide which of our wedding packages is the right one for their celebration. We have listed our most popular packages below, but if you don't see exactly what you are looking for, we are happy to discuss other possibilities.

Currently, our our website has pricing listed, or you can give us a call to inquire about rates. The amount of guests allowed with each package price is listed, but additional guests may be added for a small fee when food packages are involved.

Country Jewell Wedding Packages

Tennessee Pearl

1 hour on site, weekdays only

up to 10 people

Perfect for the couple that is looking for a simple and romantic ceremony. It includes use of the wedding chapel or outdoors by the beautiful waterfall and an officiant to perform the ceremony.

Smokey Mountain Sapphire

2 hours on site, weekdays only

up to 25 people

This package allows for a simple, romantic ceremony in either the wedding chapel or outdoors by the waterfall. We will provide:

Officiant

Traditional music

22 pictures in a keepsake photo book and a CD with all photographs taken

Enchanting Emerald

3 hours on site

up to 25 people

Couples that would like to have a simple ceremony and reception at our scenic venue. You may use the wedding chapel or outdoors by the waterfall and Country Jewell, our rustic wedding barn. We will provide:

Officiant

Traditional music

22 photos in a album and a CD of all pictures taken

Cake, punch, mints, and nuts

Romantic Ruby

4 hours on site

up to 25 people

This package gives you enough time for the ceremony in the wedding chapel or outdoors by the waterfall, plus a small reception inside Country Jewell. We will also provide:

Officiant

Traditional music

22 photos in an album and a CD with all pictures taken

A mason jar unity candle

Your choice of Food Package 1, 2, or 3

Dazzling Country Diamond

6 hours on site

up to 25 people

This one allows a little extra time for a longer reception with family and friends inside of a decorated Country Jewell. You will have use of our wedding chapel or outdoors by the waterfall. We will provide:

Officiant

Traditional music

22 photos in an album and a CD of all pictures taken

A mason jar unity candle

DJ for 3 hours to announce your reception entrance and play music during dinner and special dances

Your choice of Food Package 1, 2, or 3

Diamond in the Rough

8 hours or 12 hours

up to 100 people

We offer this package for the couple that would like to take care of the details themselves. You choose the amount of time that you will need to decorate, celebrate, and clean up. You will have access to the wedding chapel or outdoors by the waterfall and Country Jewell. You may bring along your own:

Caterers

Photographer

Catering Options

The Food Packages that we offer with the Romantic Ruby and Dazzling Country Diamond Packages are provided by Bradford Catered Events. All three options include:

Wedding Cake

Punch

Mints and Nuts

Iced Tea and Coffee

Option #1

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

Cheese and Crackers

Your choice of two:

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Cocktail Sausages

Three Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Small Croissants with either Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey, or Chicken Salad

Option #2

Chips

Your choice of:

Croissants or Whole Wheat Buns

BBQ Pork, Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey, or Chicken Salad

Three of the following:

Fresh Fruits

Coleslaw

Garden Salad

Baked Beans

Pasta Salad

Potato Salad

Option #3

Garden Salad

Rolls

Your choice of:

Sliced Roast Beef with Gravy

Oven Fried Chicken

Baked Chicken Breast

Ham

Turkey

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

Lasagna

Two of the following:

Roasted Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Country Italian Green Beans

Broccoli Casserole

California Blend

Copper Penny Carrots

Country Corn

As we mentioned earlier, if you did not see exactly what you were looking for, please reach out and let us know what you have in mind. Call us at 865-494-0552 or email: EmailUs@CountryJewell.com We realize every wedding is different, as is each couple, and we want to make sure that our wedding venue near Knoxville is available to as many brides and grooms as possible. The next time you are in the area, please make an appointment to see Country Jewell in person. You will be in awe of the sheer beauty surrounding this amazing place.

Friday, May 20, 2016

Technology makes sharing information with a lot of people much easier than it used to be. Creating a website for your Knoxville wedding is an excellent example of that. It's a simple way to get more details to your guests than can typically be included on a wedding invitation. Country Jewell has seen the benefits of using this tool for not only relaying important details, but also for sharing personalized details about your journey to the altar.

A wedding website should be simple and sweet. You don't have to re-invent the wheel when you design yours. Guests should be able to find exactly what they are looking for quickly and easily. Think of it as a tool to make information sharing much easier, but style it in a way that ties in with the rest of your wedding. These are also really wonderful for sharing any last minute information, like venue changes due to bad weather or any other last minute surprises. Here are a few things that we think are important to include in a wedding website of your own. Definitely include:Wedding Details - Think of this wedding website as an expanded version of your wedding invitation. Start by making sure that the front page clearly states the date, time, and place for the ceremony and reception. Adding pictures of the areas that you will be using will help your guests find them easier, and don't forget to give detailed directions. RSVP - Some guests may prefer to mail back the RSVP from the wedding invitation, but many will appreciate being able to do it in one quick click at the computer. Also, this makes tracking all of those RSVP's a lot easier for you.Photos - Guests love seeing the happy couple in love! Add at least one or two pictures of the two of you. Any guests that have not yet met your significant other will especially enjoy seeing these. If you are up for it, include an album of pictures from throughout your courtship, and maybe even a few of the two of you as children. Registry Information - Every etiquette book tells you that it is rude to include your gift registries on the paper invitation, yet this is one piece of information that all guests want to know. A wedding website is the perfect place to offer this without feeling like you are asking for presents.

Nice touches to add:If you feel like putting in a little more work, here are a few things that your guests will enjoy. Local Information - If you are getting married in your home town with only local guests attending, this may not be necessary. If any wedding guests will be coming from out of town, or especially if this is a destination wedding, information about the town will be extremely helpful. Include hotels to stay at and a few ideas for fun things to do while they are in the area.Love Stories - You know the ones everyone wants to hear: How did you meet? How did he propose? Work together to write a small blurb about each, or you can both write your own for a "He said, she said" version. Another good topic to cover is what the two of you have planned for after the wedding. Timeline - In addition to the basics, giving your guests a wedding day timeline is nice so they know what to expect, especially if there will be any breaks between activities. An entire wedding weekend timeline can be added if many events are planned that everyone is invited to.

Wedding Attire - This is an easy place to let everyone know what you expect them to wear to your wedding: casual, semi-formal, formal, or black tie. Also let them know if any activities will be taking place outside and the expected weather for the day. Guest Book - This is a nice spot for guests to share stories about you and share their excitement about your upcoming wedding. It's also a perfect place for guests that are unable to attend to send their well wishes. Music Requests - Some couples choose to ask everyone to request their favorite songs to play at the reception. It's totally up to you whether you pass their choices on to your DJ or not. Wedding Party Bios - The day is all about the two of you, so these don't need to be long and detailed. People may be interested in hearing how everyone in your wedding party came into your lives.

Do not include:Exclusive Events - The website is for all of your wedding guests. If there are other events that only include a certain section of your guest list, this isn't the place to include those details.

Don't spend a lot of time worrying over this. It is not something that you have to do to get married. If it adds to your stress rather than relieving it, skip it. We just want you to be aware of the ways that it can help you in the planning of your big day at our rustic Knoxville wedding venue.

There are lots of free wedding website templates out there. Look around to find one that is easy to fill out and has a look that you like. Some offer ways for your guests to upload their own photos on the wedding day, allowing you to see all of the pictures that they captured too. Best of luck designing your wedding website, and we hope to see you soon at Country Jewell.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

No matter how well you plan for your rustic Knoxville wedding, once that day comes, anything can happen. To avoid unpleasant surprises, one of your pre-planning tasks should be to put together a wedding day survival kit. A little preparation can go a long way, and one of the items in this handy little kit may end up saving the day.

Each brides's kit may be a bit different, depending on your own personal needs. Here Country Jewell has come up with a basic list of some things that could very well come in handy for one reason or another. Most are items that you probably have around the house already.

Hand lotion: A dab of lotion right before heading down the aisle will help your new wedding ring to slide on smoothly.

Moist towelettes

Hand sanitizer

Sun block & bug spray: A must for outdoor ceremonies.

Feminine hygiene products: Just in case you or one of your girls needs them. Better safe than sorry!

First aid kit

Basic medicines: pain reliever, allergy medicine, antacid...

Gum & mints

Bobby pins: Make sure there is the right color for every hair color in your wedding party.

Clear nail polish: This can stop runs in hosiery, fix chipped nails, and can even be a temporary fix for keeping buttons on that are about to fall off.

Nail polish that matches your manicure: You may need a touch-up.

Nail clippers & file

Extra earring backs: In a pinch, you can also use a pencil eraser, piece of cork, aluminum foil, or even chewing gum.

Baby Powder: This can help remove some dress stains & keep them from spreading

White chalk: It can work like baby powder or even cover up a small stain.

White cotton towels or cloths: Use these to dab, never rub, stains or spills on a white dress.

Cotton balls & cotton swabs: You can also dab dress stains with these, and they come in handy while getting ready.

Tape: Double-sided, masking, or duct tape - these are a quick fix for a broken hem if there is no time left to sew it.

Super glue: This can work for hems just like the tape, and it can hold on a loose button.

Small sewing kit: It should contain matching thread for your dress color, the bridesmaids' dresses, and the men's suits.

Lighter &/or matches: Necessary for lighting candles, and the flame can fix a fraying hem.

Safety Pins: Useful for fashion emergencies and also good to have in case any boutonniere pins are missing or get too bent to work.

Scissors

Lint brush

Snacks: Many brides are so excited, and busy, that they forget to eat. Have granola bars or something similar handy for an easy, fast snack.

Bottled water: Staying hydrated throughout the day will make you feel a lot better and more energized.

Straws: Drinking out of a straw is the best way to keep your lipstick from smearing.

Chargers: Pack all that may be needed during the day: cell phone, camera, video camera, etc...

Extra batteries: Keep track of anything needing batteries on the wedding day, and have extra ones of every size needed.

Pens and paper

Contact information: Have names & numbers for important wedding contacts and vendors. It is wise to have a couple of copies of this list.

It's quite possible that you won't need anything in your wedding day survival kit, but you will be very glad that it's there if you do need it. We don't want anything to spoil any part of your beautiful day at our Knoxville wedding venue. It takes very little effort to gather these items together, and believe us, it is well worth the time. If you have any questions about possible wedding day happenings, all of us here at Country Jewell are happy to talk with you. We are here to make sure that everything is as perfect as possible for your special day.

Friday, May 6, 2016

This weekend is Mother's Day, so today our Country Jewell blog focuses on this wonderful woman. She has most likely been looking forward to your wedding day almost as much as you have. For all of the love and support that Mom has shown you over the years, here are a few fantastic ways to give some of that love back at your wedding.

Wear her gown, or something from it.

If you love the wedding dress that your mother wore when she got married, have it altered to fit you. It can even be updated by a seamstress to fit better into a contemporary wedding. You don't have to wear the entire dress. Have a swatch from it sewn into your gown or made into a handkerchief to carry with you, or wear Mom's veil with your new gown.

Ask her to be a part of the wedding prep.

Asking her opinion on different wedding planning matters will make her feel like a part of the process. If you are making any items for your wedding, work as a team with your mom to finish those crafts. It will be a wonderful way for the two of you to spend time together before the big day.

Go with her to shop for her dress.

After you find your dream wedding dress, make plans with your mom to spend a day shopping for hers. Pick out a few stores to hit together, plan to stop for lunch, and maybe even end the day doing something that you both love. Make a whole, fun day out of the shopping trip.

Borrow something of hers.

For your "something old, new, borrowed, & blue," get the borrowed item from your mother. She will be thrilled that you asked her, and that item will have an extra-special meaning to her when you give it back.

Ask her to get ready with you and the bridesmaids.

The time before the wedding while everyone is getting their hair and makeup done can be full of laughter and good memories. Invite your mom to join you and the girls during this time and let her get pampered a bit too.

Take a "first look" photo with her.

If your mother will not be around while you are getting ready, have the photographer capture the moment when she first sees you all dressed up and ready to get married. First look photos don't just have to be for the bride and groom.

Use photos from her wedding at yours.

Guests will love seeing photos of each set of parent's wedding memories. Place a few framed ones on a table, or put them into a special slide show.

Let her walk you down the aisle.

Tradition has the father or another special man in the bride's life walk her down the aisle to her new husband. Your mother raised you too. She may be thrilled to be asked to help "give you away."

Plant a surprise love note to her in the wedding program.

A written thank you note is always a touching gesture. Place a love note in your wedding programs thanking your mother for helping you get to this moment in your life, but don't tell her it will be there. What a wonderful surprise for her to find, and for your guests to witness.

Incorporate a special family ritual into the ceremony.

There are plenty of unity rituals that are not only for the bride and groom, but for both sides of the family. It is a sweet way to recognize the blending of two families. Have both mothers light and hold candles for the two of you to light your unity candle with. Another sweet gesture is to hand each mom a flower from your bouquet before joining your husband at the altar.

Honor family traditions that are special to her.

If your mother is especially proud of her heritage, find a tradition from her family's culture that you can add into the ceremony, or work things into the wedding decor that reflect her lineage.

Kiss the moms on your way back down the aisle.

After you are pronounced man and wife, stop and give each of your mothers a kiss before heading the rest of the way down the aisle. You may be all grown up now, but this will remind her that she will always hold a special place in your heart.

Include her recipes at the reception.

Is your mother an amazing cook with books full of delicious recipes, or does she have one unbelievable recipe that she is famous for? Honor her by asking the chef to recreate one of those dishes in the menu or on the dessert bar.

Dance together at the reception.

The groom usually gets a special dance with his mother at the reception and the bride dances with her father. Shake things up a bit and have a mother/daughter dance too.

Give her a special gift to remember the wedding day.

Embroidered handkerchiefs are a lovely keepsake, plus they will give your mom a special way to dry those happy tears. An engraved picture frame for a photo of the two of you is a great gift too. Anything that will make her think of you and this wonderful day when she looks at it is a perfect present.

Mothers provide us with a lifetime of enjoyable memories. Your wedding day at our rustic Knoxville event venue is the perfect time to make a few heartfelt memories for Mom to treasure. Country Jewell is a charming setting that all of your guests will remember fondly, and these sweet additions will enhance it even more.